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Charleston.com is the official city website dedicated to helping you find the best of everything in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1670, Charleston is cited for its beauty, its history, its restaurants, its livability, its shopping, its business climate, and its romantic appeal. Its accolades are seemingly endless.
Charleston.com is here to show you the rich history and culture of this friendly waterfront city. Whether you're a longtime resident or returning visitor, we're here to show you the best places to eat, places to stay, and the best things to do while you're in town.
Whether you're a longtime resident or returning visitor, Charleston.com is here to help you find the best places to eat, the perfect place to stay, and the most fun things to do while you're in town.
Charleston may be known for its natural beauty, world-class restaurants, shopping, and romantic appeal, but what people fall in love with is its overall charm.
Founded in 1670, Charleston's rich history has left it with a vibrant culture, a welcoming attitude, and countless crazy stories.
Browse through our categories of outstanding local establishments, and get to know this friendly waterfront city that has "never met a stranger."
Whether you're a longtime resident or returning visitor, Charleston.com is here to help you find the best places to eat, the perfect place to stay, and the most fun things to do while you're in town.
Charleston may be known for its natural beauty, world-class restaurants, shopping, and romantic appeal, but what people fall in love with is its overall charm.
Founded in 1670, Charleston's rich history has left it with a vibrant culture, a welcoming attitude, and countless crazy stories.
Browse through our categories of outstanding local establishments, and get to know this friendly waterfront city that has "never met a stranger."
Whether it's an event, live theatre, concerts, and or festivals greater Charleston SC plays host to a wide variety of happenings each and every weekend. The following are just some of the best of the best taking place this weekend in the low country.
Whether it's an event, live theatre, concerts, and or festivals greater Charleston SC plays host to a wide variety of happenings each and every weekend. The following are just some of the best of the best taking place this weekend in the low country.
South Carolina Tax Free Weekend 2026 runs from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. During this 72-hour sales tax holiday, eligible shoppers can buy clothing, shoes, school supplies, computers, printers, and select bed and bath items without paying South Carolina sales tax. The state holds this event on the first Friday through Sunday in August, and eligible items are exempt during that window.
Every August, South Carolina shoppers save between $2 million and $3 million during the state's annual Sales Tax Holiday. For Charleston shoppers, this is not just a back-to-school weekend. It is also a smart time to buy higher-value clothing, shoes, swimwear, dorm bedding, towels, laptops, and local boutique items. The South Carolina Tax Free Weekend is the most strategic time of the year to shop.
For Charleston shoppers, the best strategy is simple. Buy your basics early, then use the weekend to shop locally at Charleston-owned favorites like Hampden Clothing, Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, Modern Manor, Shoes on King, Kids on King, Southern Belles, Copper Penny, and Citrine Swim make this weekend more valuable for shoppers who want quality, not just discounts.
| Takeaway | What It Means for Charleston Shoppers |
|---|---|
| 2026 dates | The South Carolina Tax Free Weekend 2026 is expected to run August 7 through August 9. |
| Best local shopping areas | King Street, Mount Pleasant, Downtown Charleston, Spring Street, Coleman Boulevard, and Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. |
| No price limit | South Carolina does not place a price cap on eligible items, making it useful for premium purchases. |
| Clothing and shoes qualify | Shirts, dresses, jackets, swimwear, sneakers, boots, and everyday footwear are tax-free. |
| Bedding and bath items qualify | Sheets, blankets, towels, pillowcases, comforters, and shower curtains can qualify. |
| Computers qualify | Laptops, desktops, printers, and some school-use technology qualify. |
| Phones do not qualify | Smartphones and devices mainly used for calls are not tax-free. |
| Online orders can count | Eligible online purchases delivered into South Carolina may qualify during the tax-free period. (South Carolina Department of Revenue) |
| Best local move | Use big-box stores for basics, then shop Charleston boutiques for higher-value items. |
South Carolina Tax Free Weekend 2026 is a 72-hour sales tax holiday where shoppers can buy eligible items without paying state or applicable local sales tax. It is designed to help families save on back-to-school shopping, but the savings go far beyond pencils and backpacks.
The state’s annual tax-free weekend usually happens on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August. Qualified purchases include clothing, footwear, computers, school supplies, and certain bed and bath items. (South Carolina Department of Revenue)
That makes it a major opportunity for Charleston residents. Parents can buy school uniforms and backpacks. College students can grab laptops and dorm bedding. Professionals can update work clothing. Homeowners can replace towels, sheets, and guest-room basics before the busy fall season.
The smart part is knowing where to shop. A $20 school shirt and a $1,000 designer dress can both qualify if they fall under the eligible clothing category. That is why local shopping matters so much. The higher the eligible purchase, the more valuable the tax savings become.
The 2026 South Carolina Tax Free Weekend is Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. It begins just after midnight on Friday and ends at midnight on Sunday.
This gives shoppers three full days to make eligible purchases. The timing is perfect for back-to-school shopping across Charleston County, Berkeley County, and Dorchester County. It also lands during the long Charleston summer, when swimwear, lightweight clothing, sandals, and linen pieces are still useful.
For families in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island, Summerville, and North Charleston, this weekend is worth planning ahead for. Waiting until Sunday afternoon can mean limited sizes, crowded stores, and fewer options.
A better approach is to make your list during the week, check store hours, and shop your highest-value items first.
The main qualifying items include clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers, printers, and select bed and bath products. South Carolina’s tax-free weekend is especially valuable because many eligible items have no price cap.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue lists clothing, accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers, software, printers, and certain bed and bath supplies as generally exempt during the holiday. (South Carolina Department of Revenue)
Here is how that breaks down for Charleston shoppers.
Most everyday clothing and shoes qualify. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, jeans, school uniforms, sneakers, boots, sandals, swimwear, and many clothing accessories.
This is where Charleston boutiques shine. A fall wardrobe refresh from Copper Penny, a designer piece from Hampden Clothing, or a new pair of shoes from Shoes on King can all become more affordable during the weekend.
For parents, this is also a good time to buy school clothes for children. Charleston kids grow fast, and waiting until the school year starts often means paying full tax and dealing with picked-over racks.
School supplies used for assignments usually qualify. This can include backpacks, notebooks, binders, folders, pens, pencils, calculators, and other classroom basics.
If you have children in Charleston-area schools, do not wait until the last day. The simple items sell out quickly. Backpacks, lunch bags, and popular folder colors are usually the first to go.
This is the part of the weekend where big-box stores can be useful. Use them for basics, then use local shops for clothing, shoes, and higher-value purchases.
Computers, laptops, printers, printer supplies, and some computer software can qualify. This is one of the biggest opportunities for college students and families with older children.
A laptop purchase can create real savings because the price is higher. If you are sending a student to the College of Charleston, The Citadel, Charleston Southern University, or Trident Technical College, this weekend is worth watching.
One important warning: smartphones do not qualify. Devices mainly used to make calls are not treated the same way as computers. Do not assume every electronic device is tax-free.
This is the category most shoppers forget.
Certain bed and bath items can qualify, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters, bath towels, washcloths, and shower curtains. For Charleston residents, this is useful far beyond dorm shopping.
You can use the weekend to refresh a guest room before visitors arrive, replace beach-house towels, or update bedding before the fall season. If you own a short-term rental in Charleston, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Mount Pleasant, check the rules carefully because business-use purchases may not qualify.
Not every back-to-school or home item is tax-free. Furniture, mattresses, jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, smartphones, and business-use purchases are common items that may remain taxable.
This is where shoppers lose time. They assume the whole store is tax-free. It is not.
Here are common taxable items to watch for:
| Item | Does It Qualify? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | No | Bedding may qualify, but the mattress itself does not. |
| Bed frame | No | Furniture is not part of the exemption. |
| Smartphone | No | Phones are excluded. |
| Jewelry | No | Jewelry does not qualify as clothing for this holiday. |
| Makeup | No | Cosmetics are taxable. |
| Sunglasses | No | Eyewear is not included. |
| Business laptop | Usually no | The exemption is meant for personal or school use. |
| Clothing rental | No | Rented clothing is not treated the same as purchased clothing. |
The safest move is to ask the retailer before checkout. Local shops usually know what qualifies because they handle this weekend every year.
Most Charleston shoppers can save around 8% to 9% on eligible purchases when state and local taxes are removed. The biggest savings usually come from computers, premium clothing, shoes, and bedding.
The state sales tax is 6%. Local taxes can increase the total rate in many Charleston-area locations. That means the final savings can feel small on a pack of pencils, but large on a laptop or designer clothing purchase.
Here is a simple example:
| Eligible Purchase | Estimated Tax Savings at 8% | Estimated Tax Savings at 9% |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | $8 | $9 |
| $250 | $20 | $22.50 |
| $500 | $40 | $45 |
| $1,000 | $80 | $90 |
| $2,000 | $160 | $180 |
This is why the weekend is not only for back-to-school basics. It is also a smart time to buy higher-quality items you already planned to purchase.
The key phrase is “already planned.” Buying something just because it is tax-free is not saving money. It is just shopping with a discount.
Shopping local during Tax Free Weekend helps Charleston residents save money while supporting the businesses that shape the city’s style, service, and neighborhood character.
Big-box stores have their place. They are useful for school supplies, basic socks, printer paper, and simple back-to-school items. But they do not give you the same Charleston experience.
Local boutiques know their customers. They understand the weather, the school calendar, the social season, the beach lifestyle, and the kind of clothing that works in the Lowcountry heat. A linen dress, a breathable work shirt, a comfortable sandal, or a polished back-to-school outfit can matter more here than in many other cities.
There is also a practical reason to shop local. If South Carolina has no price cap on eligible items, premium purchases become more attractive. That gives Charleston shoppers a reason to look beyond the mall and support places like King Street, Mount Pleasant, Spring Street, Coleman Boulevard, and Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.
The best local shops for Tax Free Weekend in Charleston include boutiques for designer fashion, children’s clothing, footwear, swimwear, bedding, and everyday apparel.
You do not have to spend the whole weekend fighting traffic at Tanger Outlets. The tax exemption applies statewide to eligible purchases. That means local Charleston retailers are part of the opportunity too.
Here are seven local shopping spots worth adding to your list.
Best For: High-end designer women’s fashion
Hampden Clothing is one of Charleston’s best-known fashion destinations. Located on King Street, it is a strong choice for shoppers looking for designer dresses, jackets, elevated basics, and special pieces that do not feel mass-produced.
This is exactly the kind of store that makes Tax Free Weekend interesting. If you are buying one higher-ticket item, the tax savings become more noticeable. A designer dress or premium jacket can create a much bigger savings than a few school supplies.
Shop here early in the weekend. King Street gets busy, and better sizes may move fast.
Best For: Luxury shopping for men and women
Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant is a long-standing Lowcountry shopping destination. It offers a luxury department store feel without sending shoppers into a national chain experience.
For Charleston locals, this is a smart stop for men’s clothing, women’s fashion, premium denim, shoes, and polished wardrobe staples. It is also convenient for shoppers in Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Daniel Island.
If you want personal service during a busy shopping weekend, Gwynn’s is one of the better local options.
Best For: Variety, accessible price points, gifts, clothing, and bedding
Modern Manor is a useful Tax Free Weekend stop because it covers several shopping needs in one place. It features many local, women-owned boutiques under one roof and offers a mix of clothing, children’s items, swimwear, accessories, and home finds.
The bedding angle is important. Bed and bath items are one of the most overlooked tax-free categories. If you need sheets, throws, towels, or linens, Modern Manor can be more useful than shoppers expect.
It is also a good choice for families who want to avoid running to five different stores.
Best For: Women’s footwear
Shoes are one of the easiest Tax Free Weekend wins. Most everyday footwear qualifies, and Charleston shoppers always need comfortable shoes for walking King Street, going to work, traveling, or surviving long summer days downtown.
Shoes on King is a strong local option for shoppers who want more than basic sneakers. Boots, flats, sandals, and everyday shoes can all be worth checking during the holiday.
If your fall calendar includes work events, school events, weddings, or travel, this is a smart weekend to buy the shoes you already need.
Best For: Children’s back-to-school clothing
Parents know the truth. Back-to-school shopping sounds simple until your child suddenly outgrows everything in the closet.
Kids on King and Southern Belles are helpful for families looking for children’s clothing with more quality and personality than standard chain-store options. Kids on King serves downtown Charleston shoppers, while Southern Belles is a local favorite in Mount Pleasant.
This is a strong category for Tax Free Weekend because children’s clothing and footwear can add up quickly, especially for families buying for more than one child.
Best For: Trendy everyday women’s apparel
Copper Penny is a Charleston favorite for women’s clothing that feels current but still wearable. With local shopping roots and locations serving Charleston-area customers, it is a strong choice for refreshing your everyday wardrobe.
This is the stop for shoppers who want fall pieces, casual outfits, date-night looks, or polished clothing for work and weekends.
For the best experience, know what your closet is missing before you go. Tax Free Weekend crowds make impulse shopping easy.
Best For: Swimwear
Yes, swimwear counts as clothing. That makes Citrine Swim a smart local stop during the tax-free weekend.
With locations serving Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant shoppers, Citrine Swim fits the Lowcountry lifestyle perfectly. Charleston’s summer does not end in early August. Beach days, boat days, pool weekends, and warm-weather trips continue well into the season.
If you need a better swimsuit, cover-up, or beach-ready clothing, this is a local category worth considering.
The best Tax Free Weekend plan is to separate basics from higher-value purchases. Buy school supplies quickly, then spend more time at local boutiques for clothing, shoes, bedding, and premium items.
Here is a simple plan that works for most Charleston shoppers.
Make a list. Split it into three groups:
Check sizes for children before the weekend starts. Look at current laptop needs. Count towels, sheets, and bedding at home. This prevents random purchases.
Shop high-demand basics first. This is the best time to grab backpacks, uniforms, school supplies, and laptop deals before popular items sell out.
If you are shopping online, check that the purchase is completed during the tax-free window.
Shop local boutiques. Visit King Street, Mount Pleasant, Downtown Charleston, or Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Use this time for clothing, shoes, swimwear, and bedding.
This is also when you should ask stores about eligible items. Local retailers are used to these questions.
Use Sunday for final gaps. Do not leave important purchases until Sunday night. Sizes may be limited, and online carts can create problems if checkout happens too late.
The biggest mistake is assuming everything in a qualifying store is tax-free. The exemption depends on the item, not the store.
Here are the mistakes Charleston shoppers should avoid.
By Sunday, popular sizes and school supplies may be gone. Retailers may also be busier, and online checkout timing can become stressful.
A bed sheet may qualify. A mattress does not. A laptop may qualify. A smartphone does not. Always check before checkout.
Many shoppers only think of national retailers. That misses the best local opportunity. Tax Free Weekend can make Charleston boutiques more affordable.
Some local boutiques sell online. If the eligible item is ordered during the window and delivered into South Carolina, it may qualify.
A tax-free item is not automatically a smart purchase. The best savings come when you buy items you already planned to purchase.
South Carolina Tax Free Weekend 2026 is one of the best times of the year for Charleston shoppers to plan smarter purchases. From August 7 through August 9, eligible items like clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers, printers, and select bed and bath products can be purchased without sales tax. The biggest value comes when you use the weekend for items you already need, especially laptops, shoes, quality clothing, bedding, and back-to-school essentials.
For Charleston locals, the real opportunity is not only saving at big-box stores. It is using the same tax break at local boutiques and neighborhood shops. King Street, Mount Pleasant, Downtown Charleston, Spring Street, Coleman Boulevard, and Mount Pleasant Towne Centre all give shoppers a better way to support local businesses while still saving money.
The simple rule is this: shop with a list, check what qualifies before checkout, and buy the highest-value eligible items first. Do that, and Tax Free Weekend becomes more than a short sale. It becomes a smart Charleston shopping plan.
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The 2026 sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 7, and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 9.
Do both if needed. Use big-box stores for basics and local Charleston boutiques for clothing, shoes, swimwear, bedding, and higher-value items.
Yes. As long as the eligible item is ordered, paid for, and accepted by the retailer during the 72-hour window, it is tax-free, even if it is delivered after the weekend ends.
Yes. Most everyday clothing qualifies, including shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, uniforms, swimwear, and footwear.
No. Unlike many other states, South Carolina does not place a price cap on eligible items. A $1,000 designer dress is just as tax-free as a $20 t-shirt.
Yes. All clothing, including formal wear and wedding dresses, is exempt from sales tax during the holiday, provided it is not a rental. Clothing rentals are fully taxable.
Yes. The holiday exempts eligible items from the 6% state sales tax as well as any applicable local county taxes (which usually brings the total tax rate to 8% or 9% in the Charleston area).
Yes. Computers, laptops, printers, and certain computer supplies can qualify. Smartphones and devices mainly used for calls do not qualify.
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